Atheists Want to Bless America, But Not With God

Many atheists feel excluded from the national mourning process, which has centered on prayer services and memorials.

(RNS) As grieving continues for victims of the Sept. 11 attacks on New York City and the Pentagon, those who don't embrace organized religion say the nation seems to have forgotten that atheists and agnostics also are pained by the tragedy.

"There's this big unity, but it's all under God," said atheist Gail Pepin, who lives near Chicago. "I feel just as strongly about this as everybody else."

Is the Church-State Line Disappearing?Patriotism and Prayer'God Bless America' and other prayer creep into public schools across the country.

Being Atheist in America After 9/11Members discuss religion, church and state, and mourning on the message boards.

Atheists have donated blood and participated in other relief efforts following the attacks, but some feel uncomfortable at prayer-centered public gatherings, noted Ron Barrier, a spokesman for American Atheists Inc.

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Catharine Lamm, a New Hampshire atheist, said she respects those whose faith is a source of comfort, but she avoids memorial services at Dartmouth College where she works.